Loriann Zambrano is the new president/chairperson for the Mesa Public Schools Native American Education Program’s (NAEP) Parent Advisory Committee, a group that represents Native families who have students in the Mesa Public Schools system.

The committee assists in planning cultural activities, provides cultural support and insight and assists in implementing grant goals.

Since the end of 2024, Zambrano has been looking for more Native parent involvement, especially from Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community parents and guardians.

Her significant other and high school sweetheart, Jesus Salazar Jr., is an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Zambrano, who has a child enrolled at Kerr Elementary, is looking at a list of scholarships, grants, classes and internships for Native students to help aid their education journey.

“As the president of the committee, I’d love to promote farming and living off the land,” she said. Zambrano also wants to work in sewing lessons, among other life skill education opportunities, for students and parents.

Zambrano began a new Facebook group called MPS Native American Parent Committee for committee members to stay active. You can find the group and join it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/695596676151634/.

Currently, there isn’t much involvement in the committee, something that Zambrano is hoping to turn around for the next school year. She believes that one of the main reasons for the drop in activity is that many who were involved previously have kids who have graduated from the schools.

The committee has set up monthly meetings with activities like bingo and prize opportunities. Snacks and refreshments are typically provided. Most recently Zambrano hosted a pizza night and a paint night.

“Our events for the rest of this school year are mostly going to consist of food and planning of next year’s events, so if you’d like to attend and help us out with some fun ideas or collaborations, please come on out and attend,” said Zambrano. “Our events are for Native American students enrolled in Mesa Public Schools and their families. If you want to participate and collaborate, please reach out and we’ll make that happen.”

To get in touch with Zambrano about the committee, you can text her at (480) 853-1773.

For more information on the committee, upcoming events and how to become involved in your child’s school as a committee member in the Mesa Public Schools system, you can email naep@mpsaz.org or call (480) 472-0500.